There's a lot happening in our little corner of the world. DH continues to travel. Kids continue to grow. I continue to find new mischief.
Last month marked the beginning of our official start in homeschooling. It's a subject that inspires all kinds of comments....some nice and some not so nice. The fact is that I often find it strange that we are doing it. Like a magnet, it's been pulling us inward since DD was an infant.
And so, I've spent the last several years reading everything I could find on the subject and making friends with homeschooling families. I find they come in all varieties. There are granolas, conservatives, gypsies and drop outs. Every family has their own take on it. Like fingerprints or seashells. No one does it quite like the other. So here we are. Trying to make it all work.
The bummer of it all is that I am really forced to examine my own character flaws. That part is not so fun.
We're lucky though. We have found a wonderful private school that has a separate homeschool program, in addition to a mighty fine conventional program. Families may choose one day or two day options. It's a bit far and not exactly inexpensive. We are going for the one day a week choice. Thus far, DD loves it. She gets play time, gymnastics, stories, experiments and a chance to make a working relationship with a "teacher". A little tradition is not a bad thing. All parents are highly committed to helping their children really have a wide variety of experiences. The kids are excited to be there. And I must confess, I do like having the social outlet myself.
It is so strange how I find myself on this path though. I always thought I wanted to be the room mother. It turns out I want to be the teacher. It's so neat to watch someone get it. And it's even better when you can help and not force it to happen. Those are the best moments. The worst are when every body needs something right at that moment and I think my head will explode. That's what I mean about my own character flaws. Gotta work on deep breathing, priorities and expectations. It will come.
I do think I would be happier working with several children at a time. It's too quiet with just us sometimes. I guess that's the hazard of big families. You like a little chaos in your life :)
Seriously though, I have been fantasizing that someday, I'll be in my own little one room schoolhouse. Not sure where it will be though. Am I ever ;)
3 comments:
I'm so happy for you all that homeschooling is working out. :)
Yay! A post! I check your blog periodically to see if you have posted. It's been so long since I've blogged, I can't even remember my user name and password. We are currently struggling with the issue of public/private/homeschool for next year. It sounds like you have a very good set up right now. Why are there no easy decisions when it comes to raising children?
Jennifer D
It's amazing how easy it is to second guess every decision regarding our kids.
Just remember that we are the first teachers yes, but not the only ones. You will never have to or even be able to provide every lesson for your kids. We build the framework. Make it solid. Expect additions and renovations. And never forget the big picture: adults who can reason, relate and dream big. Grown ups like that live amazing and inspired lives. They give back ten fold for every worry, tantrum and heartache you ever had. Now....if I can just get those bedtimes down, I'll be set. Know any secrets :) ???
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